The Effects of Water Exercise on Physical Fitness and Health Parameters: A Mini-Review

Daniel A. Marinho^*, Luís B. Faíl & Henrique P. Neiva

University of Beira Interior, Research Centre in Sports, Health Sciences and Human Development (CIDESD, Covilhã), Portugal

Dr. Daniel A. Marinho, University of Beira Interior, Research Centre in Sports, Health Sciences and Human Development (CIDESD, Covilhã), Portugal.

Keywords: Water Exercise; Physical Fitness; Hydro Gymnastics

Abstract

Physical exercise is increasingly recognized as an effective means of helping to combat sedentary routines in any age group, due to the benefits this practice entails, regarding to health or functional capacity [1,2]. However, in spite of its countless benefits, there are situations where its practice may present some limitations, namely in the case of people with low levels of physical fitness, obese individuals and with difficulty of locomotion, and in the elderly, due to the functional changes imposed by the aging process [1,2].
With the main purpose of alleviating the difficulties present in this type of population, there has been a significant increase in the practice of physical exercise in the aquatic context [3]. Although these practices are preferentially prescribed for populations with some weaknesses, such as elderly or obese individuals, they have also been recommended for people without any type of limitation [3]. Moreover, aquatic activities have been used as alternative methods for recovery of injuries in sportsmen who have their usual practice conditioned outside water [4].

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